Ontario Calls for Tough Penalties Against AI Fraudsters

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OTTAWA – Get tough on online scammers.

This was the key point in a letter sent this week from Ontario’s Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery Stephen Crawford to federal AI Minister Evan Solomon, urging a nationwide ban on AI-generated deepfakes and impersonations.

Since criminal law falls under federal authority, Crawford emphasized that Ottawa needs to take extra measures to build trust in new AI technologies among Canadians.

“To that end, building on your recent efforts to modernize private sector privacy practices through the development of requirements under Bill C-34 and Bill C-36, we are urging the federal government to enact an all-out ban on AI deepfakes and impersonations, which can lead to significant harms for vulnerable populations, including children and seniors,” he said, adding that those guilty of such crimes deserve steep fines and jail time.

Ontario ready to assist with federal initiatives

Crawford stated that Queen’s Park is ready to support any federal moves towards this ban. He pointed out Ontario’s implementation of the province’s Trustworthy AI Framework, along with the Enhancing Digital Security and Trust Act set for 2024. He mentioned that these provide guidance and requirements for responsible use of AI in the public sector.

“AI represents one of the most significant economic opportunities for Ontario, with the potential to add $122 billion to the province’s GDP by 2035 and create an average of 17,600 new jobs annually, driving growth, enhancing productivity and strengthening supply chains,” Crawford wrote in his letter.

“As we work to unlock the full economic potential of AI, we need to put strong safeguards in place to protect consumer data and privacy in this new digital landscape.”

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X: @bryanpassifiume

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